Technical translations break down language barriers for industries that wish to gain from the globalized age. A lot of technical information is often challenging to translate but there is no allowance made for translation mistakes particularly when instructions, safety warnings, and key documentation need to be translated.
What are technical translations used for in the world today?
All industries need technical translations at some level to provide crucial information that needs to cross language barriers. For example, in manufacturing industries, an international company often requires training material to be translated as well as safety instructions and operating procedures for the staff who are involved in building their products in an international context. Also, any company that provides their manufacturers with the tools of the trade also must translate both safety instructions and user manuals for use by these employees.
Corporate companies are not the only ones that require translations other committed global organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) need technical translations as well. It needs health and pandemic information and data translated into all global languages.
The following list describes the technical documents that businesses and other organizations may need translating:
- product specifications;
- manufacturing quotes;
- research papers;
- technical drawings;
- patents;
- instruction books;
- engineering texts;
- descriptions;
- a technical data sheet;
- contracts;
- technical instructions;
- user manuals;
- product descriptions;
- processes.
Because there could be legal implications if translation mistakes are made in documents like an instruction manual for heavy machinery or product patent, technical translations are highly specialist so those seeking a translation service should always use a language service provider which has proof available that it translators have experience in the field of technical translations.
What you need from a technical translation service
As can be seen, technical translations cover different types of industries. In so many cases, technical documents often include highly specialized terminology and information that needs to be conveyed with a hundred percent accuracy in all languages, including those contexts that could impact the meaning of phrases, words, and concepts. This is why translators with experience and expertise in technical translations are always in demand. For example, if a technical drawing needs to be translated for a team involved in the manufacturing process of a product in a different part of the world, there are frequently clear requirements that need to be followed.
A translator is needed who has gained firsthand knowledge of the product such as its design technology, and its individual parts, and is able to translate accurately into the required language. Not only are these required but a translator is also required to have knowledge of the file formats and programs that have been used to create technical drawings. If a medical study needs to be translated translators are required who have accumulated specialist knowledge in the medical field and also the specialized research area.
Translation mistakes are not tolerated in technical translations
Technical translations allow global industries the opportunity to share vital information, but the accuracy of the translations needs to be perfect to avoid any misunderstandings arising from the translations. There are serious consequences if translation mistakes occur and misinterpretations take place. For example, pharmacies asking for a description of a new drug including instructions for its use and any potential side effects may face a dire situation if translations are inaccurate.
In conclusion, when technical information needs to be translated, the translators will need to be subject knowledge specialists who can deliver confidently accurate translations in a reasonable period of time. The client needs to be satisfied that the translations are accurate and appear as though they have been written in an original language and are not just translations.